bankrupt

bankrupt

I

bank‧rupt¹ /ˈbæŋkrʌpt/ adjective
1. without enough money to pay what you owe
   SYN  insolvent:
    The firm went bankrupt before the building work was completed.
    In 1977 he was declared bankrupt (=by a court).
    Mr Trent lost his house when he was made bankrupt.
    Seventeen years of war left the country bankrupt.
    a bankrupt electrical company
2. completely lacking a particular good quality:
    The opposition attacked the government as morally bankrupt.
     

THESAURUS

   ▪ bankrupt without any money and unable to pay your debts – used about a person or business that has to officially admit this and stop trading permanently: Many small businesses will go bankrupt unless interest rates fall. | He was declared bankrupt in the High Court yesterday.
   ▪ be in financial difficulties to have difficulty paying your bills and debts, often so that you are in danger of becoming bankrupt - used about people and businesses: The firm has been in financial difficulties for some time. | He was in financial difficulties and knew that he would have to sell his home.
   ▪ go bust/go under informal to become bankrupt and have to stop operating – used about a business: The supermarket isn’t there any more – it went bust ages ago. | During the last recession, dozens of businesses were going under every day.
   ▪ insolvent formal bankrupt - used about people and businesses: The bank was declared insolvent. | Directors of insolvent companies often ignore demands for payment. | Individuals becoming insolvent also jumped 9% to 9,470 in the third quarter.

II

bankrupt² verb [transitive]
to make a person, business, or country bankrupt or very poor
   SYN  ruin:
    Johns had been nearly bankrupted through a failed business venture.

III

bankrupt³ noun [countable]someone who has officially said that they cannot pay their debts
    certified/uncertified bankrupt British English (=one a court does or does not allow to start a business again)